MEMORANDUM
TO: José Manuel Barroso,
European Commission President Javier
Solana, EU Foreign Policy Chief
FROM: Andrew Moravcsik and Kalypso Nicolaidis
RE: Bridging the Atlantic
The recent American charm offensive in Europe—capped by President George
W. Bush’s visit in February and the subsequent agreement on a joint strategy
for Iran—shows that there is some hope for warmer trans-Atlantic ties.
Perhaps most important, the president conceded that the European Union (EU)
is a major global partner by treating it as equal to NATO. Europeans still believe,
however, that the United States could be more respectful and sophisticated in
its relations with the EU. Certainly, the Bush administration must learn to
listen as well as lead. But can you entirely fault the Americans? Constant electioneering
by 25 national leaders speaking 20 languages, splits between “old”
and “new” Europeans, and a constitution in limbo often make it hard
for Americans to discern a clear European message. You have correctly proclaimed
your commitment to raising Europe’s foreign-policy profile during the
next five-year term of the European Commission. Changing attitudes in Washington
will be an essential part of that task.
Europe is widely viewed in the United States as impotent, obstructionist,
and—simultaneously—utopian and cynical. Americans instinctively
understand military alliances and simple free trade agreements, such as NATO
and NAFTA. They have no experience with Europe’s complex governance system.
Americans pressure the EU to let Turkey into the club, but they would be astonished
if Mexican President Vicente Fox asked the United States to “share”
Supreme Court...